Nomads survive Epac scare

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers scored a late equalizer to deny Epac FC the three points they needed to finish the first round of the top flight on a high note.

Peter Wadabwa had given the Nomads a lead in the 14th minute, sweeping home the finish confidently at the far post under no pressure following good work down the left flank by Mike Kaziputa.

The Nomads celebrate one of their goals

The hosts hit back in the 36th minute in fine style. Anthony Banda picked out Willard Dickson with a pinpoint pass after cutting in from the right flank and Dickson looped a classy volley over Richard Chipuwa to make it 1-all.

The first half was dominated by the visitors who had more than four corners in the opening minutes but failed to capitalize as Epac defence made some stunning clearances.

The Nomads were on fire as Wadabwa, Jimmy Zakazaka, and Kaziputa terrorized Epac’s defence with intent but unlocking their defence proved too difficult.

However, against the run of play, Wanderers got their opener through Wadabwa who managed to beat two defenders before slotting past Tione Tembo in goals for the hosts, 1-0.

But it only took few minutes for the visitors to respond when Banda picked out Dickson whose low shot kissed the back of the net following Richard Chipuwa’s failure to save the situation for the Lali Lubani boys, 1-all.

At the start of the second half, Epac looked switched gears and started to dominate in possession and pressure. No wonder they scored in the first minute of the half through Francis Nkhonde who made a superb finish, beating Chipuwa who was stuck between the posts, 2-1.

Epac were on fire but suffered a major blow when hit-man Banda was stretchered off due to an injury.

However, Mphatso Zongololo, Dickson, and Innocent Tanganyika were all over the pitch as they forced Chipuwa to produce a fine reflex save to keep the Nomads into the game.

Malumbo Gondwe for the visitors was substituted for Luka Milanzi as the Nomads threw everything into the field of play in search for the equalizing goal but the Epac defence was too stubborn to unlock.

Epac continued their pressure on Wanderers, who, despite conceding, were struggling in midfield and were playing deeper, but the final ball was always lacking.

Zongololo had another chance just outside the penalty box but Chipuwa was equal to the task.

On 90 minutes, the referee added extra five minutes into the match.

Just when Epac FC thought the game was over, there was late drama as Kaziputa’s easy finish at the far post following a defensive lapse by the hosts’ defence spoiled the party as the Nomads put the game on level. The match ended 2-all.

The result sees Wanderers leapfrogging Mzuni FC into fifth position with 24 points from 14 games whilst Epac FC have finished the first round on 10th position with 21 points.

The action continues on Sunday afternoon. Defending champions Big Bullets will play host to Azam Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium while Mafco FC will host league leaders Silver Strikers at Chitowe Stadium.